Refueling method for supplying fuel to hydraulic fracturing equipment

ABSTRACT

A refueling method for supplying fuel to hydraulic fracturing equipment by installing a main fuel source at a fractionation operation, connecting the main fuel source to hydraulic fracturing equipment to provide downhole fluids to the well, and connecting at least one pressurization unit to the main fuel source. The method includes using a valve element to stop fuel flow from the motor fuel tank when the main fuel source supplies the fuel to the supply coupling device and automatically starts fuel flow from the motor fuel tank to the pump when a system failure prevents the main fuel source from suppling the fuel to the supply coupling device and using the return fuel line with the return coupling device for the transfer of the fuel to the motor fuel tank when a system failure prevents the main fuel source from supplying the fuel to the supply coupling device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pendingU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/051,185 filed Sep. 16,2014, the entirety of which being incorporated herein by reference forall purposes.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to operations and processesused in the oil and gas industry. The present embodiments further relateto a fractionation process using an improved method and system forrefueling one or more pieces of equipment.

BACKGROUND

There are needs for a refueling method that supplies fuel to multiplefractionation pump units simultaneously to increase safety in the fieldand save time refueling.

There is a need for reducing the time involved with refueling. There isa need for recapturing unused fuel in order to reduce fuel costs.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram overview of a fractionation operation usingthe refueling method according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a side view of a coupling device as a connection between amain fuel source and a pressurization unit according to one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of a pressurization unit with acontroller according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a supply coupling device accordingto one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a perspective side view of a return coupling device accordingto one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a refueling system with a plurality of hydraulicfracturing equipment pumping fluids down a well connected to therefueling system according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the components of a refueling system as connectedto an onboard motor and a pump containing the pressurization unit asconnected to a main fuel source and a supply fuel line according to oneor more embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a controller for a refueling system having aprocessor connected to sensors and a data storage according to one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a method for supplying fuel to hydraulicfracturing equipment according to one or more embodiments.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present method in detail, it is to be understoodthat the method is not limited to the particular embodiments and that itcan be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments generally relate to operations and processesused in the oil and gas industry. The present embodiments further relateto a method and system for using an improved method and system forrefueling one or more pieces of equipment.

Hydraulic fracturing as used herein can also be referred to andinterchangeable with the terms fractionation, hydrofracturing,hydrofracking, fracking, fraccing, and frac, which refers to a techniquein which rock is fractured by a pressurized liquid. The process involvesthe high-pressure injection of fracking fluid, which can consistprimarily of water, containing sand and other proppants suspended withthe aid of thickening agents, into a wellbore to create cracks in theformations through which natural gas, petroleum, and brine can flow morefreely.

Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a refueling method for afractionation operation with multiple pieces of hydraulic fracturingequipment, such as trailers, simultaneously without a hot zone, that caninclude a pressurization unit configured to provide pressurized fluid toa well, the unit having a pump, a motor, and a motor fuel source, asupply coupling device and a return coupling device, a main fuel sourcecan be configured to provide fuel to the motor fuel source, a supplyfuel line configured to provide fuel transport from the main fuel sourceto the motor fuel source, and a return fuel line can be configured toprovide fuel transport from the at least one pressurization unit to themain fuel source.

An oil or gas well can includes a wellbore extending into a subterraneanformation at some depth below a surface (e.g., Earth's surface), and canbe usually lined with a tubular, such as casing, to add strength to thewell. Many commercially viable hydrocarbon sources are found in “tight”reservoirs, which mean the target hydrocarbon product cannot be easilyextracted. The surrounding formation (e.g., shale) to these reservoirstypically has low permeability, and it is uneconomical to produce thehydrocarbons (i.e., gas, oil) in commercial quantities from thisformation without the use of drilling accompanied with fractionationoperations.

Fractionation is common in the industry and growing in popularity andgeneral acceptance, and can include the use of a plug set in thewellbore below or beyond the respective target zone, followed by pumpingor injecting high pressure fracking fluid into the zone. Thefractionation operation results in fractures or “cracks” in theformation that allow hydrocarbons to be more readily extracted andproduced by an operator, and can be repeated as desired or necessaryuntil all target zones are fractured.

In a conventional fracturing operation, a “slurry” of fluids andadditives can be injected into a hydrocarbon bearing rock formation at awellbore to propagate fracturing. The fluids, which can be mixed withchemicals, sand, acid, can be pressurized and transported at a high ratevia one or more high pressure pumps, typically driven by diesel fueledprime movers/motors. The majority of the fluids injected will flow backthrough the wellbore and be recovered, while the sand will remain in thenewly created fracture, thus “propping” it open.

The term “automatically controlled” as used herein can refer tooperation of equipment of the refueling system using a controller, whichcan be made up of a processor and a data storage, or by another remotedevice connected to the equipment of the refueling system, such as by anetwork. The remote device can be a computer, a laptop, a cellularphone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, or similar device.

The term “fractionation operation” as used herein can refer tofractionation of a downhole well that has already been drilled.

The term “fuel” as used herein can refer to the fuel that drives themotors of the hydraulic fracturing equipment.

The term “land based fractionation operation” as used herein can referto a fractionation operation which occurs around a land based well.

The term “main pump” as used herein can refer to a fuel pump with thecapacity to flow fuel at a rate from 150 gallons per minute to 225gallons per minute from 28 psi to 40 psi.

The term “manually controlled” as used herein can refer to valves orequipment which can be operated by pushing a button or using a wrench toturn, or flipping a switch.

The term “motor” as used herein can refer to an engine such as acombustion engine mounted on the hydraulic fracturing equipment ortrailer having the pressurization unit, the hydraulic fracturingequipment or trailer providing fuel to allow multiple hydraulicequipment and multiple trailers and/or trucks to simultaneouslyhydraulically fractionate a formation through an existing wellbore.

A benefit of the method can be to eliminate hot refueling by operators,such as truck operators, allowing operators to extend uninterrupted andextended pump times for fractionation operations.

Explosions and death often happen with hot refueling. These embodimentscan save lives by eliminating the need for personnel to be in the hotzone for hot refueling activities.

The embodiments can have the benefit of eliminating human error thatcauses fires during hot refueling by eliminating the need for hotrefueling of multiple pieces of hydraulic fracturing equipmentsimultaneously.

In traditional hot refueling, in the hot zone, one person can have afire extinguisher with the fuel nozzle, a second person can be in thehot zone with line of sight to the person refueling with the fireextinguisher, and then a third person can be back on the truck with hisfinger on the emergency stop button.

The present embodiments can save the lives of people, by no longerrequiring them to be in the field in this “hot zone” for hot refueling.

Herein disclosed are novel apparatuses, systems, and methods thatpertain to a refueling method for a fractionation operation, details ofwhich are described herein.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail withreference to the accompanying Figures. In the following discussion andin the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” can be used in anopen-ended fashion, such as to mean, for example, “including, but notlimited to”. While the disclosure may be described with reference to therelevant apparatuses, systems, and methods, it should be understood thatthe disclosure cannot be limited to the specific embodiments shown ordescribed. Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a varietyof configurations can be implemented in accordance with embodimentsherein.

Although not necessary, like elements in the various figures can bedenoted by like reference numerals for consistency and ease ofunderstanding. Numerous specific details are set forth in order toprovide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure; however, it canbe apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodimentsdisclosed herein can be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailto avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Directional terms,such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,”, are usedfor convenience and to refer to general direction and/or orientation,and are only intended for illustrative purposes only, and not to limitthe disclosure.

Connection(s), couplings, or other forms of contact between parts,components, and so forth can include conventional items, such aslubricant, additional sealing materials, such as a gasket betweenflanges, PTFE between threads, and the like. Embodiments of thedisclosure provide for one or more components to be new, used, and/orretrofitted to existing machines and systems.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram overview of afractionation operation using the refueling method according to one ormore embodiments.

Although FIG. 1 shows a land-based operation, it is within the scope ofthe disclosure that embodiments herein can be just as applicable to asubsea fractionation operation.

FIG. 1 shows an operation 200, as a fractionation operation.

Portions of the refueling system useable with the operation 200 can beidentified with reference to Box A.

Box A can be connected to at least one well 216 a and 216 b throughpiping.

In this embodiment, a plurality of pressurization units 202 a-202 j areshown.

Each pressurization unit, for example, can be a frac pump truck or afrac pump trailer.

The plurality of pressurization units 202 a-202 j can each includevarious components or subcomponents, such as a pump, a motor, and amotor fuel tank.

A main fuel source 220 can provide fuel to all the pressurizationunit(s) 202 a-202 j simultaneously.

In embodiments, the fuel can be or include but is not limited togasoline, kerosene, diesel, and natural gas. The fuel can be anysuitable fuel. Moreover, the fuel need not be 100 percent in perfectcomposition, as impurities, compounds, or other components can bepresent.

The refueling method can include one or more supply fuel lines, supplyfuel lines 208 a, 208 b, 208 c, and 208 d are shown.

Each supply fuel line 208 a-208 d can be configured to provide fuel fromthe main fuel source 220 to all of the pressurization unit(s) 202 a-202j simultaneously.

The refueling method can include one or more return fuel lines. Two ofthe return fuel lines 222 a and 222 b can be configured to provide fueltransport return from each of the pressurization units 202 a-202 j tothe main fuel source 220.

Box B shows ancillary equipment supporting the hydraulic fracturingequipment, such as trailers. The ancillary equipment can be sand,chemical blenders, equipment for the crosslinking of gels, andcombinations thereof.

FIG. 2A shows a component connection view of a refueling system 301having a motor fuel tank 328 with fuel 326 connected to a pressurizationunit 302 according to one or more embodiments.

The refueling system 301 can be constructed of a number ofinterconnected and/or interoperable components, subcomponents, and soforth. The refueling system 301 can include similar components andmaterials of construction as described for other embodiments herein,such that there can be similarity or exactness between them, however,the systems need not be identical.

The pressurization unit 302 can include other components, that receivefuel, such as a pump 338, a motor (motor-generator) or prime mover 337fluidly connected to the pump, a fuel level sensor (not shown), and afilter 332 or filtration system.

The pressurization unit 302 can be disposed on or otherwise associatedwith (including operatively associatively) a frame 307 or similarsupport structure, the frame can be a skid, a trailer, or a truck.

The motor 337 can be or otherwise include a combustion (e.g., internalcombustion) engine. The motor can burn fuel 326 to produce a mechanicalmotion, such as rotation. In this manner, the motor can be coupled (suchas mechanically) to the pump 338 in such a way as to transmit mechanicalrotation and drive the pump 338.

Although pressurization unit 302 is discussed herein with reference to amotor, one of skill in the art would appreciate that there can be otherdevices suitable to provide energy in a manner that drives the pump 338.

A supply coupling device 314 can be connected to the filter 332 and tothe motor fuel tank 328.

In embodiments, the supply coupling device 314 can be connected by wayof threaded connection to the filter 332 or filtration system. Thesupply coupling device 314 can be connected to other components betweenthe motor fuel tank 328 and the motor 337.

The supply coupling device 314 can be configured for manual control,automatic control, or combinations thereof. In this respect, the supplycoupling device 314 can be configured with various flowthroughpositions, such as an open position, a closed position, or a controlledposition somewhere in between the open position and the closed position.In the digital control sense, this supply coupling device, can be avalve, and can have an “on” or an “off” position.

The motor fuel tank 328 can be configured in a manner so that the fuel326 can be provided to the motor 337, such a through flow channel,piping, or similar tubing.

A main fuel source 320 can be configured in a manner so that the fuel326 can be provided to the motor fuel tank 328, such as through one ormore supply fuel lines 308 a.

Another supply fuel line 308 b is shown and can flow from the main fuelsource 320 to provide fuel transport from the main fuel source 320 to aplurality of hydraulic fracturing equipment.

A return fuel line 322 a can be configured to provide fuel transportfrom the pressurization unit 302 to the main fuel source 320 via areturn inlet 334.

A manifold 324 can be connected to the main fuel source to split anddivide the fuel into one or more supply fuel lines 308 a and 308 b. Inembodiments, there can be a manifold for the return fuel lines 322 a and322 b.

A pressurization unit fuel inlet 330 is also depicted for flowing fuelfrom the supply coupling device 314 to the filter 332.

FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of a pressurization unit with acontroller according to one or more embodiments.

The pressurization unit 302 is shown with a controller 579.

The controller 579 can include at least one processor connected tosensors in at least one supply fuel line, in at least one return fuelline, or both. The sensors can detect flow rate information andpressures information and transmit the information to the processor.

The processor can compare the flow rate information and the pressureinformation to preset limits, and transmit a message when the flow rateinformation and the pressure information falls below or exceeds thepreset limits to adjust rates of operation.

In embodiments, the message can be sent to a client device via a networkto enable a user to adjust rates of operation.

In embodiments, the controller, the client device, or both thecontroller and the client device can be used to automatically actuatethe valve element to change the flow of fuel from returning to the mainfuel source to the motor fuel tank.

FIGS. 3A is a cross sectional view of a supply coupling device 314according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 3B is a perspective side viewof a return coupling device 315 according to one or more embodiments.

The supply coupling device 314 can include a valve element 342 that canconnect to the one or more supply fuel lines 308. In embodiments, thevalve element 342 can be a valve with a spherical disc, a ball valve, acheck valve, or another configuration or element suitable to controlflow therethrough. The valve element 342 can have a hole, opening orport, through the middle so that when the valve element is “inline”,flow will occur in the manner desired.

When the valve element 342 is in the closed position, the hole can bepositioned in a manner (e.g., perpendicular) so that flow can beblocked.

A handle 317 or lever can also be in coordinated or correspondingposition with the valve element, thus providing an indication of theposition of the valve element.

The supply coupling device 314 can be made of, or include componentsmade of materials indicated herein, including metal, such as steel andstainless steel, plastic, ceramic, and so forth.

In an embodiment, the valve element 342 can be a three-way ball valvethat can include “L” or “T”-shaped hole therethrough, as would beapparent to one of skill in the art. The shape of the valve element candictate the direction of flow depending on the position of the valveelement.

Each coupling device, the supply coupling device 314 or the returncoupling device 315 can include connection points 344 a and 344 b and ahousing or body 346, along with the handle 317 and the valve element342.

The connection points 344 a and 344 b can include threaded, tolerancefit, or other suitable features for connecting to hoses and otherfittings.

A first quick-disconnect fitting 352 is also shown and described ingreater detail in FIG. 5.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a refueling system with a plurality of hydraulicfracturing equipment pumping fluids down a well connected to therefueling system according to one or more embodiments.

A well 216 is shown into which multiple pieces of hydraulic fracturingequipment, shown here as frac trailers 335 a, 335 b, and 335 c arepumping fractionation fluid 339 a, 339 b, and 339 c.

Each piece of hydraulic fracturing equipment can be connected to a fuelpressure regulator to receive fuel for simultaneously refueling of allthe hydraulic fracturing equipment at once.

The plurality of fuel pressure regulators 555 a, 555 b, and 555 c areshown.

Each fuel pressure regulator can communicate between the one or moresupply fuel lines 308 and the supply coupling device for reducing fuelpressure coming from the one or more supply fuel lines 308.

The one or more supply fuel lines 308 can flow fuel from the main fuelsource 320 to the one or more return fuel lines 322.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a refueling system with components of therefueling system connected to an onboard motor and a pump containing thepressurization unit further connected to a main fuel source using asupply fuel line for each piece of hydraulic fracturing equipmentaccording to one or more embodiments.

The refueling system 301 can include the main fuel source 320, which canbe fluidly connected to a plurality of hydraulic fracturing equipment,wherein each piece of hydraulic fracturing equipment can providedownhole fluids to a well for fractionation of the well via one of aplurality of fuel pressure regulators 555 a-555 c fuel pressureregulator, which can be connected to the one or more supply fuel lines308.

Pressurization unit 302 a can have the motor fuel tank 328 containingthe fuel 326, the valve element 342 connected to the motor fuel tank328, and the supply coupling device 314 connected to the valve element342.

The supply coupling device 314 can receive the fuel 326 from the motorfuel tank 328 and the fuel 326 from the one or more supply fuel lines308 connected to the main fuel source 320 and the refueling method canprovide a switchable fuel supply, with an ability to close off fuel fromone tank and use fuel from the other tank.

Pressurization unit 302 a can include the pump 338, which can be fluidlyconnected to the supply coupling device 314 for receiving fuel from thesupply coupling device 314 and for providing fuel 326 on an onboardmotor 309.

Pressurization unit 302 a can include the return coupling device 315 forreceiving the fuel from the onboard motor 309 and transferring a firstportion of fuel through a first return fuel line 322 a to the main fuelsource 320. Excess fuel can transfer through a second return fuel line322 b to the motor fuel tank 328.

Fuel pressure regulators 555 a and 555 b can be in communication betweenthe one or more supply fuel lines 308 and the supply coupling device 314for reducing fuel pressure coming from the one or more supply fuel lines308. Fuel pressure regulator 555 c can communicate with the second fuelpressure regulator 555 b. Each fuel pressure regulator can communicateto a separate pressurization unit.

In embodiments, the supply coupling device 314 can have a first quickdisconnect 410 made up of a first quick-disconnect fitting 352 mating toa second quick-disconnect fitting 354. The first quick disconnect 410can be for accelerated set up and take down of the refueling unit.

In embodiments, the connection points can include or be fitted with thefirst quick-disconnect fitting 352. The one or more supply fuel lines308 can include a feed end configured with the second quick-disconnect354 suitable for mating to the first quick disconnect fitting 352.

The fuel 326 can be combustible fuel, such as gasoline, kerosene,diesel, natural gas, blends, and the like.

It should be noted that one or more return fuel lines 322 a and 322 bcan engage the return coupling device 315 and can enable transfer of asecond portion of fuel to the motor fuel tank 328 when a system failureprevents the main fuel source 320 from supplying fuel to the supplycoupling device.

In embodiments, additional return fuel lines 322 c can be used.

The refueling system can have a second quick disconnect 411 made up ofan initial quick-disconnect fitting 355 mating to a secondaryquick-disconnect fitting 356 for accelerated set up and take down of therefueling unit.

The refueling system can have a manifold 324 connected between the oneor more supply fuel lines 308 and the main fuel source 320 for enablingadditional supply lines to connect, which can provide multiple supplyfuel lines simultaneously enabling a plurality of fractionation trucks,such as eight, per supply fuel line to be refueled simultaneously perfuel supply line.

The refueling system can have a main fuel source pump 321 connected tothe main fuel source 320 for pumping the fuel 326 from the main fuelsource through the filter 332 to the manifold 324.

A heat exchanger 575 can be mounted to the main fuel source 320 forreceiving fuel from the main fuel source and continuously regulating thetemperature of the fuel to an optimal operating temperature for theonboard motor 309.

It should be noted that the valve element 342 can stop fuel flow fromthe motor fuel tank 328 when the main fuel source supplies fuel to thesupply coupling device and can automatically start flow of fuel from themotor fuel tank 328 to the pump 338 when a system failure prevents themain fuel source 320 from suppling fuel to the supply coupling device314.

In embodiments, the valve element 342 can be a check valve, a springloaded check valve, a three way valve, or any suitable valve known inthe industry.

In embodiments, additional pressurization units 302 b, 302 c and 302 dcan be used. In embodiments the additional pressurization units can be aplurality of pressurization units.

In embodiments, the motor fuel tank 328 can be fixedly connected orotherwise coupled to the pressurization unit 302 a. In embodiments, thepressurization unit 302 a can include a plurality of fuel tanks, such asfor redundancy and backup purposes.

The motor fuel tank 328 can be configured to supply fuel to the motorand selectively receive or supply fuel to a second fuel tank on a secondunit, such as through a fuel pump.

In embodiments, the pressurization unit 302 a can include switches,buttons, keyboards, interactive displays, levers, dials, remote controldevices, voice activated controls, electronic controls, displays,operator input devices, processors, memory, and/or electronic,electrical communicative and/or digital input and output ports into onedevice or any other input device that a person skilled in the art wouldunderstand would be functional in the disclosed embodiments in thefurtherance of the operation of pressurization unit 302 a.

In embodiments, the filter can be configured to remove particulates inthe fuel lines, that have diameters from 3 microns to 30 microns andremoves at least 80 percent water and water based contaminants in thefuel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a controller for a refueling system having aprocessor connected to sensors and to data storage according to one ormore embodiments.

The controller 579 can include one or more supply sensors 485 and one ormore return sensors 487

The one or more supply sensors can be in the one or more supply fuellines and the one or more return sensors can be in the one or morereturn fuel lines.

A processor 580, such as a computer, can communicate with the sensorsand can receive data from the sensors.

The processor 580 can be in communication with a data storage 581,wherein the data storage can contain various computer instructions.Computer instructions in the data storage can instruct the processor toperform and complete various tasks.

The term “data storage” refers to a non-transitory computer readablemedium, such as a hard disk drive, solid state drive, flash drive, tapedrive, and the like. The term “non-transitory computer readable medium”excludes any transitory signals but includes any non-transitory datastorage circuitry, e.g., buffers, cache, and queues, within transceiversof transitory signals.

The data storage 581 can contain computer instructions 582, which caninstruct the processor to receive flow rate information and pressureinformation from each of the supply sensors and return sensors.

The data storage 581 can contain preset pressure and temperature limits583. In embodiments, the preset pressure and temperature limits can befor the fuel.

The data storage 581 can contain computer instructions 584, which caninstruct the processor to compare the flow rate information and pressureinformation from the supply sensors and return sensors to presetpressure and temperature limits.

The data storage 581 can contain computer instructions 586, which caninstruct the processor to transmit a message when the flow rateinformation and pressure information falls below or exceeds presetpressure and temperature limits in the data storage enabling an operatorto adjust rates of operation of one or more pressurization units.

In embodiments, the pressurization unit on hydraulic fracturingequipment or fractionation trailers can each include a controller, thusproviding structures or other subcomponents suitable for mountingelectronic controls for controlling the pressurization unit. Thus, allcomponents and parts of the pressurization unit can be mounted withsensors and other controller circuitry, which can be operably connectedwith the controller. The controller can include a cover and suchaccessories as mounting hardware, brackets, locks, and conduit fittings.The controller can be mounted on the pressurization unit.

The pressurization unit can include other attachments than shown anddescribed that can also be fixedly attached to the frame, such as a fan(not shown), a heat exchange, and/or batteries (not shown).

The controller can include a processor and a memory component. Theprocessor can be a microprocessor or other processors as known in theart. In some embodiments the processor can be made up of multipleprocessors. The processor can execute instructions for generating a fueltransfer signal and controlling fuel transfer between the fuel tanks.Such instructions can be read into or incorporated into a computerreadable medium, such as the memory component or provided external toprocessor. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry can be usedin place of or in combination with software instructions to implement afuel transfer method. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specificcombination of hardware circuitry and software.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a method for supplying fuel to hydraulicfracturing equipment according to one or more embodiments.

The method can include installing a main fuel source, containing fuel,at a fractionation operation, illustrative in box 500.

The main fuel source can contain any fuel known in the art and usablewith the invention, such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel, natural gas,blends, and the like.

The method can include fluidly connecting the main fuel source to theplurality of hydraulic fracturing equipment, wherein each piece ofhydraulic fracturing equipment of the plurality of hydraulic fracturingequipment can provide downhole fluids to a well, illustrative in box502.

The method can include connecting a plurality of pressurization unitsfluidly connected to the main fuel source, illustrative in box 504.

The method can include using the valve element to stop a fuel flow fromthe motor fuel tank when the main fuel source supplies the fuel to thesupply coupling device and automatically starts the fuel flow from themotor fuel tank to the pump when a system failure prevents the main fuelsource from suppling the fuel to the supply coupling device,illustrative in box 506.

The method can include using the return fuel line with the returncoupling device for the transfer of the fuel to the motor fuel tank whena system failure prevents the main fuel source supplying the fuel to thesupply coupling device, illustrative in box 508.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described,modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. Theembodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended tobe limiting. Many variations and modifications to the disclosurepresented herein are possible and are within the scope of thedisclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated,such express ranges or limitations should be understood to includeiterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within theexpressly stated ranges or limitations. The use of the term “optionally”with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that thesubject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Bothalternatives are intended to be with the scope of any claim. Use ofbroader terms such as comprises, includes, having, should be understoodto provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consistingessentially of, comprises substantially of, and the like.

Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the descriptionset out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scopeincluding all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each andevery claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment ofthe present disclosure. Thus, the claims are a further description andare an addition the preferred embodiments of the disclosure. Theinclusion or discussion of a reference is not an admission that it isprior art to the present disclosure, especially any reference that mayhave a publication date after the priority date of this application. Thedisclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications citedherein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent they providebackground knowledge; or exemplary, procedural or other detailssupplementary to those set forth herein.

Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis of the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching persons having ordinary skill in theart to variously employ the present invention.

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on theembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A refueling method for suppling fuel to aplurality of hydraulic fracturing equipment, the method comprising: a)installing a main fuel source at a fractionation operation, the mainfuel source containing the fuel; b) fluidly connecting the main fuelsource to the plurality of hydraulic fracturing equipment, wherein eachpiece of hydraulic fracturing equipment of the plurality of hydraulicfracturing equipment provides downhole fluids to a well; c) connecting aplurality of pressurization units fluidly connected to the main fuelsource, wherein each pressurization unit of the plurality ofpressurization units comprises: i. a motor fuel tank containing thefuel; ii. a valve element connected to the motor fuel tank; iii. asupply coupling device connected to the valve element, the supplycoupling device receiving the fuel from one or more supply fuel linesfrom the main fuel source; iv. a pump fluidly connected to the supplycoupling device for receiving the fuel from the supply coupling deviceand providing the fuel to an onboard motor; v. a return coupling devicefor receiving the fuel from the onboard motor and transferring the fuelthrough one or more return fuel lines to the main fuel source; and vi. aplurality of fuel pressure regulators, wherein each fuel pressureregulator of the plurality of fuel pressure regulators is incommunication between the one or more supply fuel lines and the supplycoupling device for reducing fuel pressure coming from the one or moresupply fuel line; d) using the valve element to stop a fuel flow fromthe motor fuel tank when the main fuel source supplies the fuel to thesupply coupling device and automatically starts the fuel flow from themotor fuel tank to the pump when a system failure prevents the main fuelsource from suppling the fuel to the supply coupling device; and e)using the one or more return fuel lines with the return coupling devicefor the transfer of the fuel to the motor fuel tank when a systemfailure prevents the main fuel source from supplying the fuel to thesupply coupling device.
 2. The refueling method of claim 1, comprisingusing a first quick disconnect having a first quick disconnect fittingmating to a second quick disconnect fitting for an accelerated set upand take down of the refueling unit.
 3. The refueling method of claim 2,comprising using a second quick disconnect having an additional firstquick disconnect fitting mating to an additional second quick disconnectfitting for accelerated set up and take down of the refueling unit. 4.The refueling method of claim 1, comprising installing a manifoldbetween the one or more supply fuel lines and the main fuel sourceconnected to multiple supply fuel lines simultaneously enabling theplurality of hydraulic fracturing equipment per supply fuel line to berefueled simultaneously per line.
 5. The refueling method of claim 4,further comprising installing a main fuel source pump connected to themain fuel source for pumping the fuel from the main fuel source througha filter to the manifold.
 6. The refueling method of claim 1, comprisingusing a check valve, a spring loaded check valve or a three way valve asthe valve element.
 7. The refueling method of claim 1, comprisingmounting a heat exchanger to the main fuel source to receive the fuelfrom the main fuel source and continuously regulate the temperature ofthe fuel at to an optimal operating temperature for the onboard motor.8. The refueling method of claim 1, comprising installing a controllercontaining at least one processor in each pressurization unit of theplurality of the pressurization units and connecting the at least oneprocessor to sensors installed on the one or more supply fuel lines andsensors installed on the one or more return fuel lines, using the atleast one processor to receive flow rate information and pressureinformation and to compare the flow rate information and pressureinformation to preset limits in a data storage connected to the at leastone processor, and then transmit a message when the flow rateinformation and pressure information falls below or exceeds the presetlimits to a client device via a network to enable a user to adjust ratesof operation.
 9. The refueling method of claim 1, comprising installinga frame to support the plurality of pressurization units.
 10. Therefueling method of claim 5, comprising using the filter configured toremove particulates with diameters from 3 microns to 30 microns and atleast 80 percent water and water based contaminants flowing through thefilter.
 11. The refueling method of claim 8, wherein the controllercomprises: a) at least one supply sensor in the one or more supply fuellines; b) at least one return sensor in the one or more return fuellines; c) the at least one processor configured to receive data from theat least one supply sensor, the at least one return sensor, or from boththe at least one supply sensor and the at least one return sensor; d)the data storage in communication with the at least one processor; e)computer instructions in the data storage to instruct the at least oneprocessor to receive the flow rate information and pressure informationfrom the at least one supply sensor, the at least one return sensor, orfrom both the at least one supply sensor and the at least one returnsensor; f) preset pressures for the fuel flow and preset temperaturelimits for the fuel in the data storage as preset pressure and presettemperature limits; g) computer instructions in the data storage toinstruct the at least one processor to compare the flow rate informationand pressure information from the at least one supply sensor, the atleast one return sensor, or from both the at least one supply sensor andthe at least one return sensor to the preset pressure and the presettemperature limits; and h) computer instructions in the data storage toinstruct the at least one processor to transmit a message when the flowrate information and pressure information falls below or exceeds thepreset pressure and preset temperature limits in the data storageenabling an operator to adjust the rates of the operation of each of thepressurization units of the plurality of pressurization units.
 12. Therefueling method of claim 11, wherein the valve element has at least onesensor for sensing when the preset pressure and preset temperaturelimits fall below or exceed the preset pressure and preset temperaturelimits, actuating the valve element to change the flow of the fuel fromthe main fuel source to the motor fuel tank.